Diabetes and blood glucose monitoring knowledge and practices among pharmacy professionals in Cambodia and Viet Nam: digital survey and education

BACKGROUND: In Southeast Asia, pharmacies are critical sources of healthcare advice for under-served communities, including those with/at risk of diabetes. AIM: Explore knowledge/practices relating to diabetes and blood glucose monitoring (BGM) among pharmacy professionals in Cambodia and Viet Nam, using digital professional education to address gaps. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to pharmacy professionals in Cambodia and Viet Nam registered on SwipeRx mobile application. Eligible participants dispensed medicines and/or were involved in purchasing products, and worked at retail pharmacies stocking ≥ 1 BGM product. An accredited continuing professional development module was then made available to pharmacy professionals and students on SwipeRx in both countries. After completing the 1–2 h module, users were required to correctly answer ≥ 60% (Cambodia) or ≥ 70% (Viet Nam) of knowledge assessment questions to achieve accreditation units from local partners. RESULTS: Whereas 33% of survey respondents in Cambodia (N = 386) and 63% in Viet Nam (N = 375) reported performing blood glucose testing at the pharmacy, only 19% and 14% were aware that clients taking multiple daily doses of insulin should check blood glucose levels several times a day. Of 1,137 and 399 pharmacy professionals/students who completed the module and passed the assessment in Cambodia and Viet Nam, 1,124 (99%) and 376 (94%) received accreditation. Knowledge levels improved substantially in 10 of 14 learning areas in Cambodia and 6 of 10 in Viet Nam. CONCLUSIONS: Digital education can strengthen pharmacy professional capacity to provide comprehensive and accurate information on diabetes management and the awareness of quality BGM products in Southeast Asia. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-023-04449-0.